Toward the end of November, Provincial Offences Officers from several government ministries, in coordination with CK Public Health and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, visited 80 local businesses across CK.
Municipal officials say this two-day enforcement campaign was intended to assess the compliance level with requirements for business operations under the Reopening Ontario Act.
Officers provided education around and enforcement of the public health requirements with regards to proof of vaccination, screening requirements for both employees and patrons, mask-wearing, proper display of workplace safety plans and more.
Overall, inspections revealed 23 violations, resulting in the issuance of 11 charges.
Municipal official say the campaign was received positively on a local level, with many businesses willingly cooperating and eager to rectify any identified issues.
“We are very appreciative of the compliance efforts of our local business operations and the patrons who frequent them,” stated Dr. David Colby, Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health, in a media release.
“It is not an easy task to repeatedly pivot and to make adjustments to how you have been conducting business at your establishments for years prior.”
CK Public Health would like to remind businesses and workplaces about the public health measures that are put in place to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and the necessity of remaining vigilant, Municipal officials say.
Local enforcement officers continue to monitor business adherence to the requirements of the Reopening Ontario Act.
Those seeking more information or additional support in ensuring that their workplace is running as safely as possible are asked to visit www.CKPublicHealth.com/Information-for-workplaces.
